50 simple ideas to celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Day

Did you know that February 17th is Random Acts of Kindness Day? This international day aims to encourage people to do something nice for other people, whether it’s friends, family, colleagues, or strangers. 

Brightening someone’s day can have a domino effect, inspiring others to pass on acts of kindness throughout their day. 

As we’re a money-saving site, we’ve got lots of free and easy ideas, but we’ve also included some that involve spending money (but only a little). Alternatively, you can donate your time to helping others. 

Read on to find out our 50 favourite ways to spread kindness; to other people, animals, and the planet. We’ve even got personal tips from our very own staff members at TopCashback.

What is Random Acts of Kindness Day?

Beginning back in 1995 in San Francisco, this international day was started by the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation (RAK). Its unique purpose quickly caught on and spread worldwide, and February 17th is now recognised in lots of countries.

You can celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Week from February 9th–15th, or participate for the whole month if you’d like. Brightening someone’s day can have a ripple effect on you and people around you, inspiring a community of kindness.

Free & easy ideas

You don’t have to spend time or money to spread kindness. As a money-saving site, of course we’ve got you covered with ideas for free activities.

1. Give a smile or compliment to a stranger

It doesn’t get easier than this. Giving a heartfelt smile or compliment to someone you don’t know can really brighten their day.

2. Donate old blankets and towels to an animal shelter

Skip the landfill waste and help out some shelter animals? Seems like a no-brainer to us. You can also stop and say hello to some of the animals while you’re there.

3. Call a friend for a chat

In a world of WhatsApp and memes, why not pick up the phone and have a real conversation? It’s a great and unexpected way of connecting with someone, and you’ll both benefit from good, old-fashioned quality time.

4. Offer help to someone who needs it

Does someone need help with directions, carrying food shopping, getting through a heavy door? Ask and offer when you’re out and about.

5. Introduce yourself to a neighbour 

Got a neighbour you’ve never talked to? Knock on their door to introduce yourself. Connecting with neighbours is a good way to create a sense of community, and a neighbour you’re on good terms with is worth its weight in gold.

6. Reach out to someone you lost touch with

Got a friend or family member where the two of you just drifted apart? Reach out to them to say hello and say you were thinking of them. Making the first step goes a long way and could start a brand new bond.

7. Give up your seat 

Next time you’re on a full bus or train, let someone sit down while you stretch your legs.

8. Give and lend to neighbours

Use the sharing app Olio to give away and lend all kinds of things to your neighbours. Share food you won’t use or lend household appliances for a one-off. You can also become a Food Waste Hero to pick up and share unsold food from shops. We’ve got a handy guide all about how to use Olio. 

9. Research, sign & share petitions you believe in

Whether you’re passionate about climate change, animal welfare, or free school meals, head to Change.org to find, sign, and share campaigns that you care about.

10. Send a thoughtful message

Next time you have a good or funny memory of someone, let them know you were thinking of them. 

11. Arrange a get together with a friend

Be the one to make the effort and arrange a meet up for coffee, drinks, dinner, or a walk.

12. Write a review

Got a local business you love? Write them a glowing review online.

13. Let someone ahead of you at the shop

Not in a rush? Let the person behind you jump the queue, just because.

14. Stop for a chat with a homeless person

Next time you walk past someone sleeping rough, stop and ask them a question or two. A simple conversation can be a great way to spark a human connection.

15. Invite a friend for some exercise

Share a walk with a colleague, a yoga class with a friend, or a gym sesh with a family member. Boost your mental and physical health and improve your bond.

16. Sign up for organ donation

Organ donation is an opt-out system in England and Wales and opt-in for Scotland and Northern Ireland. Either way, registering for organ donation ensures medical staff can use your organs to save a life after you pass.

17. Make a round of drinks for your colleagues

Next time you make a cup of tea, go around and get a drinks order from the people you work with.

Ideas that require time

Spontaneous, everyday actions can brighten someone’s day, but you can always choose to invest some more time into your random acts of kindness.

18. Donate blood

Blood transfers can save a life, so why not donate some? Head to blood.co.uk to find your nearest donation centre and register for their next event.

19. Bake a cake or casserole for a neighbour

This one’s a step up from introducing yourself – give them the gift of food. Whether you’re a cook or a baker, there’s something heartfelt about a home-cooked treat (and they may return the favour in future).

20. Do a clearout and donate to charity

Thoroughly sort out all of your home decor and wardrobe items to see what you don’t need anymore. Donate mindfully to charity shops asking for items – call them up in advance to see what they’re in need of.

21. Plant a tree

Do your bit for the environment and find a tree-planting event near you. Why not invite friends and make it a fun group event?

22. Donate your time to your local place of worship

If you’re a member of a place of worship, ask about anything you can volunteer your time to, like kids’ activities, collection plates, or events.

23. Provide phone conversations to those who need it

Volunteer with Silver Line, a charity that means older people living on their own can have a conversation when they need it. Sign up via their website to volunteer your time, although be aware you may need a DBS check.

24. Make a playlist

Compile your favourite songs that remind you of a friend and share it with them.

25. Bring cakes into the office

Spend an evening baking cakes or muffins and share them at the office. Bonus: you’ll be very popular for the day.

26. Build a borrow library in your front garden

Got some DIY skills? Set up a borrow library in your front garden with books you’re happy for people to borrow and bring back, which they can do the same with.

27. Volunteer

Got a local charity shop, soup kitchen, or shelter? They’re always looking for volunteers, so why not donate some of your time to helping them out?

28. Visit your elderly family members

Elderly family members can get lonely, so schedule a visit to see them and catch up together. Bring photos to take a trip down memory lane, or even find out about unknown family history.

29. Host a dinner party for friends just because

Be the reason your friends get together and set up a dinner party. You can organise the whole dinner yourself or opt for a potluck theme where everyone brings something.

30. Build a bee hotel in your garden

Good with a drill and woodworking? Turn your garden into a bee sanctuary by building a bee hotel south-facing near good pollinating plants. Here’s a video how-to from RSPB:

31. Litter pick at your local park

Clean up your local green area – all you need is bin bags and gloves. Separate into rubbish and recycling and feel good doing your bit for the local environment.

32. Babysit for a friend

Reach out to a friend with a child and offer to babysit so they can treat themselves to a night (or day) out.

33. Host a clothing swap

Invite friends, family, neighbours, or whoever you want to bring their unwanted clothes and do one big swap in your home. As they say, one person’s trash is another person’s treasure.

Ideas for kids

If you’ve got little ones learning about Random Acts of Kindness at school, we’ve got some ideas easy for kids of all ages.

34. Help your parents with chores

Kindness and compassion can start at home – help your parents out by asking what you can do to help around the house. Pick up a duster, take out the recycling, post a letter, or help making dinner.

35. Host a charity bake sale at school

Get some friends together and bake your favourite cakes, whether it’s butterfly cakes or easy flapjacks. Sell them at school during lunchtime (with permission!) and donate the money to a charity you believe in.

36. Take the dog for a walk

If you’ve got pets, help your parents out by doing a pet chore. This can be walking the dog, cleaning out the guinea pig cage, or changing the cat litter.

37. Give a friend a book you liked

Lend a friend or classmate a book that you really enjoyed, then talk about what you liked about it after they've finished.

38. Draw a picture for someone you love

Little ones can do something as simple as sitting down to draw something nice for a loved one.

39. Give a friend a compliment

Think of someone in your life you could give a meaningful compliment to. Go beyond looks and compliment something your friend is good at or how they make you feel.

40. Bring your parents breakfast in bed

Treat your parents on a weekend morning by bringing them a cup of tea, cereal, eggs, and whatever they like to eat. This is a nice way to let them know you love them.

41. Help a friend with homework

Homework is boring, so why not help a friend who is struggling with some tricky Maths or Science work?

42. Clean your room

Tidy your room and keep it clean for a week as an act of kindness towards your parents.

Ideas that require money

Maybe you’re practising Random Acts of Kindness for a week or the whole month of February and need some more ideas that involve some spending. We’ve kept these appropriate for small budgets, so most of these ideas require about £5, although of course you can spend more.

43. Donate to a charity

This could be as much or as little as you want. If even half the people participating in Random Acts of Kindness Day donated a small amount to their favourite charity, that would be a lot of money towards good causes!

44. Pay it forward 

Next time you’re at a cafe, pay for an extra coffee and ask the barista to give it to the next person to order one.

45. Donate to a food bank

Buy extra pantry items during your next food shop and donate them to the food bank collection after checkout.

46. Send letters or postcards

Stamps aren’t cheap, so this idea belongs here! Send letters, postcards, or notecards to a few friends and family. It’s always nice receiving something in the post that isn’t a bill.

47. Make a care package

Got a friend or family member going through a rough patch? Make up a care package or hamper with all their favourite little treats to let them know you care.

48. Buy supplies for your local school

Schools are often under-funded, so why not enquire what supplies and resources they are low on and buy some?

49. Buy supplies for your local pet shelter

Kongs, tennis balls, litter trays, bowls, and collars are all welcomed supplies at pet shelters. Buy what you can and drop them off at your local shelter.

50. Adopt a wild animal

‘Adopt’ a tiger, elephant, gorilla, or many other endangered animals via WWF. You’ll get regular updates about what your donation does to support your animal of choice.

Keep the kindness ripple going

Being kind is contagious, and you might find that you want to continue with a small act every day for the rest of the month. 

Why not share with friends and family and make it an annual event you all participate in? You could keep each other updated on new ideas and share your activities on social media.